The wine of the week is the 2005 Ten Mile "The Broken Road" Red. It's vinted and bottled by The Ten Mile Wine Company of Oakville, California, which is a member winery of the Nine Mile North Wine Company from Napa Valley.

This wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Barbera and Carignane. A century ago, these style wines were called "Field Blends," and the mixture of these hearty red grapes produced wines whose harmony brought out a mellow but sturdy table wine which went well with meats, stews and tomato pasta dishes.

The harmony is quite evident in the Ten Mile Red whose dark purple color blasts out aromas of raspberry, black pepper, and tea box. The flavor is intense and yet mellow with a preponderance of black berries and raspberries. There is a little oak tannin in the finish, but it is not powerful.

For a party of eight sitting down to huge meal of venison stew and fresh sourdough bread, you would have to put at least three bottles out on the table to begin with! You should probably have a couple more in reserve, as this wine is perfect for hearty foods and hearty appetites. Try it with Chicken Cacciatore.

2005 Ten Mile "The Broken Road" Red - $12.99 - 750ml

World Beverage
6190 Highway 400
Cumming, GA 30040
(678) 513-6284